Salmon Seafood Ratings and Profile

Salmon Seafood Ratings

Salmon is the most popular and common wild seafood variety in the United States and throughout much of the world. And for good reason. Known for having a firm, meatier texture, this seafood is commonly enjoyed even by people who do not otherwise like seafood.

* A higher rating means a lower average price for this type of seafood.

Price: Salmon prices per pound for wild Alaskan salmon may be considerably higher than supermarket, farm-raised salmon. However, at about $15-$30 per pound for most wild Alaskan salmon, this fish is more affordable than many types of wild seafood.

Taste and Texture: Seafood for meat lovers, salmon has one of the firmest, meatiest textures of any seafood. Different varieties of salmon have a stronger or milder flavor, but salmon is described as different from other seafood with a “fishy” taste. It will also readily absorb cooking spices but retains more of its original flavor than lobster.

Nutrition: Wild Alaskan salmon is among the healthiest seafood and the healthiest sources of protein one can have in their diet. Salmon has plenty of protein, plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, and consistently low mercury levels. Alaska’s protected watersheds also mean consistently lower levels of many toxins common to seafood. A 6 oz serving of wild salmon has 245 calories, 36 grams of protein, 9.5 grams of fat, and 0.02 ppm of mercury.

Seasonal Availability: When it comes to wild Alaskan salmon, there is a big difference between the seasonal availability of frozen vs. freshly caught fish. Depending on the species and location, salmon season goes from May to October. However, because salmon is always shipped flash-frozen and vacuum-sealed, the fish retains its premium taste for upwards of 6 months. With a little extra freezer storage, you can come close to enjoying wild Alaskan salmon year-round at a great price.

Geographic Availability: You can get premium wild Alaskan salmon shipped pretty much anywhere in the world. The way this fish is frozen and packaged, it can be quickly and reliably delivered to homes in Hawaii, Florida, Maine, and everywhere in between. The U.S. produces almost 1/3 of the world’s wild salmon; close to 60 percent of the U.S. supply is exported outside the country.

Sustainability: With increased watershed and habitat protections, wild Alaskan salmon has been thriving overall, though some sub-species including many types of local king salmon, are threatened. Subsisting entirely on plankton, sockeye salmon is a favorite for nutrition and sustainability. All wild Alaskan salmon is MSC-certified. For environmental and other sustainability concerns, the most important component is responsible harvesting practices.

Shelf Stable: Leftover, cooked salmon will last in the refrigerator for about 3 days, but should be eaten within a day or so for best quality. Smoked and packaged salmon will last for up to a week in the refrigerator or up to 3-6 months in the freezer. Vacuum-sealed salmon will also last for 3-6 months in the freezer. Properly canned salmon can be confidently eaten for 5 years or more and will remain shelf stable almost indefinitely.

View all of our seafood ratings and profiles to find the perfect combination of selections for your taste.

Take note of our Affiliate Relationships that may exist with this page and companies listed on it.